Date: March 2023                           

Position: Copywriter
Department: Marketing and Communications
Reports to: Senior Director of Marketing
Classification: Part-time, Contract

THE BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and ORCHKIDS

For over a century, the BSO has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. As the largest cultural institution in Maryland, the BSO is internationally recognized and locally admired for its innovation, performances and recordings, and educational community initiatives including OrchKids. Launched in 2008, OrchKids provides children educational resources and fosters social change through the power of music in some of Baltimore’s under-resourced communities.

BSO: AT A GLANCE

•     Operating budget FY 21/22:	Approximately $30million
•    Orchestra members:	79 Players; 2 Librarians
•     Administrative Staff:	75 Employees
•    OrchKids Program Staff:	75 Team members

JOB SUMMARY
The Copywriter is responsible for producing engaging, clear text for different advertising channels such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s website, print ads, emails, direct mail pieces, broadcast messaging, and digital advertisements. Additional duties include researching orchestra keywords and proofreading for accuracy and quality. A creative copywriter who is dedicated to crafting excellent original content will join a marketing and communications department that works cross-departmentally with fundraising, education, and artistic teams.

Specific Areas of focus include working in collaboration with BSO colleagues to better understand project expectations, produce content with the needs of the campaign, participate in the brainstorming process, and conduct research to develop or support writing. This position is also heavily involved with assisting with other creative and content processes, such as proofing, campaign building, and social media creation. This position will be measured by timely execution, content quality, and accuracy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creating and editing original copy that is accurate, well-researched, and department needs and deadlines.
• Conduct kick-off meetings to understand content goals and campaign needs.
• Conduct industry and target market audience research to formulate ideas or support writing.
• Assisting in other aspects of the creative or research processes to create cohesive, accurate content
• Writing clear and error-free content that reflects the BSO’s voice
• Meeting with cross-departmental colleagues to understand their message goals
• Proposing copy concepts for emails, direct mailers, and other print advertisements.
• Interpreting creative direction and technical information and turning them into persuasive copy concepts
• Working with the marketing and communications team to edit and modify the copy to meet BSO content expectations
• Participating in the planning and execution of email marketing campaigns
• Proofread emails for clarity, grammar, and spelling
• Sending out weekly updates on deadlines and progress to the SVP, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, as well as the Senior Director of Marketing
• Manage the content collection, creation, and review process of all emails, and advertisement copy
• Keeping up with the latest content writing practices and industry/marketing trends
• Assisting in content creation for email distribution
• Assist with other projects as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES

• Proven work experience as a copywriter
• An ability to work under tight deadlines
• Proficiency with content management systems
• Knowledge of keyword research
• Ability to convey multiple messages: instructional, informational, persuasive, and transactional
• Excellent written communication and copywriting skills
• Strong project management skills
• Demonstrated superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate creativity, an innovative spirit, and be able to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft programs, including but not limited to Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present effectively internally and externally and an ability to proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation with a high degree of accuracy.
• Schedule flexibility and willingness to work some nights and weekends as needed.
• Direct experience with a symphony orchestra and/or performing arts presenter highly preferred. A passion for and working knowledge of classical music plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Competitive salary negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Hybrid Work Schedule available, depending on position requirements

 The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to marketingjobs@bsomusic.org, with the position title of the job in the subject line of your email. No phone calls.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

OUR CULTURE AS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and OrchKids use the BSO mission and shared values (Appendices) to govern decisions, actions, and behaviors. These values guide how we conduct our work and professional relationships: Creativity, Respect, Excellence, Education/Engagement, and Diversity. We are focused on a people-first culture for our patrons and our entire BSO family.

The BSO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, differing physical abilities, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, other non-merit factors.

The BSO is committed to improving and protecting the health of our musicians, staff, and our communities. We comply fully with the COVID-19 requirements of the state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore. It is required that employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment.

APPENDIX I:  BSO MISSION

The BSO performs the highest quality symphonic music of all eras that nurtures the human spirit. The BSO is committed to engaging, inspiring, educating, and serving diverse audiences and to enhancing the State of Maryland as a cultural center of vitality and importance.”

_________________________

APPENDIX II:  BSO SHARED VALUES

In October 2021, the BSO Board of Directors approved the following shared values, or “BSO Creed”:

CREATIVITY

• We believe the BSO is first and foremost an artistic institution that is dedicated to the finest creative musical expression.
• We seek to facilitate opportunities for creative approaches that allow musicians, staff, board, and partners to collaborate to serve our mission.
• We strive to inform all decisions with our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

RESPECT  

• We believe the BSO should value, appreciate, and treat all individuals – patrons, staff, musicians, guest artists, and volunteers with compassion, respect, and dignity.
• We seek to create a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable environment for all.
• We strive to embrace all human differences and commit to caring and civility towards all with whom we work and serve.

EXCELLENCE   

• We believe it is an honor to present great music to stir and nurture the soul.
• We seek to attract, develop, and retain the best talent in all musicians, staff, board, and volunteers. Everyone who works at the BSO has an important role to play in our success.
• We strive to act with uncompromising integrity and transparency.

ENGAGEMENT / EDUCATION  

• We believe deep connections to the diverse communities we serve are essential to our mission.
• We seek to inspire and educate with powerful and meaningful musical experiences for audiences of all ages.
• We strive to nurture the talents of musicians of all ages with accessible educational initiatives and programs.
• We strive to create a culture where musicians, staff, board, and volunteers communicate, collaborate, understand, and appreciate each other’s work.

DIVERSITY

• We believe diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – with respect to race, gender, and personal identity – are cultural and strategic imperatives.
• We seek to create a culture of excellence that ensures access and inclusion of diverse voices in all that we do.
• We strive to use the universal language of music to bring people together and embrace our multicultural society.